Rebuilding America
I would like to document the rebuilding of communities in America and the hope of the human spirit, rising from disaster to triumph.
For my dream assignment, I would like to travel the United States documenting the changes that have a occurred due to natural and man made disasters, ecological, economic and otherwise. The stories of rebuilding and abandonment. The repercussions and the little that is done to help our fellow citizens unless leverage is applied to the powers that be or unless people lend a helping hand. The losses so great that most could not comprehend them and the triumphs that impress and motivate the human spirit. The real America that is hidden from us by our evening news and ignored due to our selfishness.
My intention would be to juxtapose the images of heartache with those of rebuilding and the untouched, pristine spaces that lie between. Most only see the beauty and inspiration of America in brief fleeting glimpses on the discovery channel if we bother to see them at all through the clutter of the landscape and every day life. The spaces we occupy, that were at one time like the untouched landscapes. It is even more rare to see images of hope and the realization of dreams and prayers.
I believe the only way to get images with impact or that could tell the stories of our country is to be on the ground, traveling by car from place to place, taking things in and having human contact. Learning from the people that lived through the times of trouble and have emerged or are still struggling to get their lives back to some sense of normalcy.
At the end of my journey, I would donate images to anyone who I think could help bring about change (the Red Cross, NGOs, Government leaders) and would also donate 20% ($10,000) to the Red Cross to help them in their struggle to help the souls that have been burdened by things they cannot control.
22 Comments
Chris is a great photographer with a giving spirit. I think it's great you have included a donation to the Red Cross. Good luck!
Father John. I am aware of the troubles in New Orleans. It is a city I love and have visited many times and am saddened by what happened there to its citizens and by their ongoing struggle.
A noble cause and a great idea. You get my vote. Let me know what you think of mine!
Very noble project. You should check out David Burnett's work out of New Orleans. Voted.
Check out my project on innovation and technology as change for the developing world and my portfolio here: http://maclellanimages.com/blog1/galleries/
awesome idea, you gote my vote, please check out mine and return the vote, good luck!
good Luck U get my Vote....Your such a kind and special person.
A noble cause and a great idea Chris looks like we have a few similar visions good luck!
You get my vote. Good Luck
Good luck.
My family was in Galveston that was hit by Hurricane Ike last year - they still have not been able to re-build and feel that the country has completely forgotten them. Great project. Please see my idea too.
This is an awesome idea! I pic'd it. Return the vote?
A wonderful vision. If you would, please vote for mine too. Maybe one of us may win! Amazing idea.
Great idea. I think we all need inspiration like this. Thanks for the vote, I returned it.
wonderful idea - especially free use of the photos to create awareness. I voted for you and hope you'll check out my idea, too, and if you like it, cast a vote for me.
best of luck.
Go to Osawatomie, KS and document that. Most of it was destroyed by a flood two years ago but very little has been rebuilt. Voted for you. Feel free to return the vote for my project on Zimbabwe.
Maybe also cover areas where there is POTENTIAL for disaster ie: folks living in tornado alley.
You got my vote. Perhaps you could check out mine? Let me know what you think and return the vote? I am committed to exposing the inequalities in our public school systems.
You have my vote, If you get the chance, check out my dream "From Australia With Love" and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for it!
Thanks.
-Adam
I voted for you. Good luck.
rock it out son!!!be prepared for what you might see!!! our media induced perseption of reality is far from the truth!!!good luck chris!!! RT2 :)
Good Luck -- a Worthy challenge. Photography is the best way to explain any idea as we think in pictures. Your pictures will get people to think. Good for you. Dave's Dad -- In Florida
Good idea, check out mine and vote for me if you like it. Its about poverty and society in 3rd world countries and how they are controlled, devastated by their governments and western industrialized nations.
Did you know New Orleans is still a disaster? Many places along the Gulf Coast are still struggling after Katrina - even years later. Good luck with your dream. I am happy to give you a positive vote.